Evan Low served in the California State Assembly from December 1, 2014, to November 30, 2024, representing districts encompassing parts of Silicon Valley, including Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and portions of San Jose. A Democrat, Low was known for his advocacy on technology policy, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental issues.
Policy Effectiveness and Legislative Record
During his tenure, Low was recognized for his legislative productivity. In the 2017–2018 session, he had the most bills signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown among all state legislators.
Key legislative initiatives included:
- AB 1887 (2016): Banned state-funded travel to states with laws discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals.
- AB 57 (2019): Allowed candidates with character-based birth names to use those names on translated ballots, promoting inclusivity for Asian American communities.
- Support for ACA 5 and Proposition 16 (2020): Advocated for the repeal of Proposition 209 to reinstate affirmative action in public education and employment.
Low also co-founded and co-chaired the California Legislative Technology and Innovation Caucus, focusing on bridging the gap between technology and policymaking.
Key Votes and Voting Record
Low consistently supported progressive legislation on environmental protection, social justice, and technology innovation. His environmental voting scores were notably high, with a 100% rating in 2019 and an 89% rating in 2018 from the California Environmental Scorecard.
He was instrumental in advancing legislation related to climate change, digital privacy, and consumer protection, reflecting his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through policy.
Ethics and Controversies
In March 2025, the California Fair Political Practices Commission fined Low $106,000 for campaign finance violations. The commission found that Low attempted to conceal payments to actor Alec Baldwin for appearances at campaign events by channeling funds through a nonprofit organization he operated. Additionally, Low failed to maintain accurate campaign records and improperly terminated his campaign committee before settling outstanding debts.
In October 2024, the watchdog group Defend the Vote filed an FEC complaint against Low, alleging he used nearly $600,000 from his state campaign account for advertisements during his congressional campaign, potentially violating federal campaign finance laws.
Constituent Service and Public Engagement
Low was known for his active engagement with constituents, utilizing social media platforms and hosting town halls to discuss legislative matters. His background as a former mayor and city councilmember of Campbell contributed to his approachable demeanor and commitment to local issues.
Bipartisanship and Collaboration
While a staunch Democrat, Low demonstrated a willingness to collaborate across party lines, particularly on technology and innovation initiatives. His leadership in the California Legislative Technology and Innovation Caucus fostered bipartisan dialogue on integrating technological advancements into state governance.
Recent Focus and Public Stances
In the latter part of his legislative career, Low focused on issues related to digital equity, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He advocated for policies that addressed the digital divide, promoted clean energy, and supported marginalized communities.
After his tenure in the Assembly, Low was appointed as the President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund in March 2025, where he continues to champion LGBTQ+ representation in politics.
Conclusion
Evan Low’s decade-long service in the California State Assembly was marked by legislative productivity and advocacy for progressive causes. While his career faced challenges related to campaign finance practices, his contributions to technology policy, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental legislation have had a lasting impact on California’s legislative landscape.
